GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Diest, BE
GS195 sofa to daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963 Italy in new leather upholstery
Leather, Wood
Sofa / Daybed "GS195" by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Songia for Sormani. Model: GS195. Stamped Sormani. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR
Leather, Wood
$3,356
H 26.78 in W 78.75 in D 32.29 in
Adjustable White Wood Daybed By Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1960s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Milan, IT
Rare white daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani. Sliding backrest allows to transform it as a
Fabric, Wood
Italian Sofa Model GS-195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian sofa / daybed by Gianni Songia, model “GS-195” for Sormani, Italy, 1960s. Frame of rosewood
Fabric, Hardwood
Gianni Songia Daybed Model GS 195 for Sormani, Italy, 1960s
By Gianni Songia
Located in Brussels, BE
Gianni Songia daybed model GS 195 for Sormani, Italy, 1960s.
Leather
Unavailable
H 26.78 in W 79.53 in D 33.47 in
Gianni Songia for Sormani Black Leather and Rosewood Sofa / Daybed 1963
By Gianni Songia
Located in Berlin, DE
Italian sofa / daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani 1963. Very elegant and
Leather, Rosewood
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 76.78 in D 38.59 in
Vintage Sofa with Two Armchairs by Gianni Songia for Sormani
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Berlin, DE
This Gianni Songia sofa or daybed with two armchairs was manufactured in the 1960s by Sormani in
Leather, Rosewood
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
Gianni Songia GS195 Leather Daybed and Sofa for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire
We are delighted to bring to you an elegant GS 195 daybed, designed in 1963 by Gianni Songia for
Leather, Wood
Unavailable
H 25.6 in W 79.93 in D 33.47 in
Gianni Songia Daybed/Sofa Designed for Sormani of Italy, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire
We are delighted to bring to you an extremely rare Italian daybed designed by Gianni Songia for
Leather, Wood
Italian Mid-Century Sofa/Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani
By Gianni Songia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Italian mid-century sofa is by Gianni Songia for Sormani. The sofa showcases a sculptural
Brass
GS195 daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
GS195 daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1963 Beautiful lounge sofa/daybed model GS195
Leather, Wood
Leather daybed GS-195 model by Gianni Songia for Sormani - 60s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Padova, IT
renewed. Functional and elegant lounge sofa/daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani
Leather, Wood
Leather Daybed Sofa GS 195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Padova, IT
Leather daybed sofa GS195 model designed by Gianni Songia and produced by Sormani 1960s. This
Leather, Wood
Pair of Daybeds by Gianni Songia for Sormani
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rosewood daybeds with adjustable backs. Designed by Gianni Sormani for Sormani, 1963
Sold
H 28.35 in W 79.93 in D 35.44 in
sofa/daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy 1963.
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in The Hague, NL
The Gianni Songia Daybed Sofa Cognac Sormani, designed in Italy in 1963, is a stunning example of
Metal
Sold
H 25.6 in W 80.71 in D 33.86 in
Beautiful GS-195 Daybed-Sofa Designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very elegant and sculptural frame with a black original leather upholstery. The backrest can be adjusted in two positions to use as a sofa or daybed and is working properly. The ...
Leather, Rosewood
Gianni Songia Sofa for Sormani Late 60's
By Gianni Songia, Luigi Sormani
Located in bari, IT
Three-seater sofa model GS 195 by Gianni songia for Sormani 1960s.
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
Gianni Songia GS195 Daybed and Sofa Black Leather - 1963 for Sormani, Italy
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Munster, NRW
Elegant black and black version of the famous GS195 daybed, designed in 1963 by Gianni Songia for
Leather
Sold
H 27.17 in W 78.75 in D 33.08 in
Gianni Songia Black Leather Daybed Sofa Model GS-195 for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Gianni Songia
Located in Brussels, BE
Low sofa model GS-195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in 1963. New upholstery in Black
Leather
Gianni Songia 'Gs-195' Leather Daybed Sofa for Sormani
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An adjustable white leather daybed known as the 'Gs-195' designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani
Leather, Rosewood
Gianni Songia Model GS 195 Sofa Bed
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undeniably Italian in design by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1963, Italy. Converts into a daybed via
Leather, Wood
Gianni Songia GS195 Daybed and Sofa
By Gianni Songia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern daybed and sofa model GS195 made by Gianni Songia for Sormani. White lacquered
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Midcentury Daybed / Sofa GS 195 by Gianni Sognia for Sormani
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Münster, DE
Wonderful daybed or sofa model GS 195, designed by Italian designer Gianni Songia for Sormani. Very
Leather, Wood
Gianni Songia Daybed Model GS 195 For Sormani, Italy, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautiful GS-195 daybed sofa designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963. Very elegant and
Bouclé, Wood
Gianni Songia Daybed Model GS 195 For Sormani, Italy, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautiful GS-195 daybed sofa designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963. Very elegant and
Bouclé, Wood
Gianni Songia daybed sofa GS195 Sormani Italy 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Great lounge sofa-daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in Italy 1963. The GS195
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Gianni Songia Daybed Model GS 195 for Sormani
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Munster, NRW
A PAIR GIANNI SONGIA DAYBED MODEL GS 195 for SORMANI Gianni Songia model GS 195 for Sormani. Draft
Gianni Songia, Daybed GS 195 and Sofa, 1963 for Sormani, Italy
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Munster, NRW
Gianni Songia, daybed GS 195 and sofa 1963 for Sormani, Italy. Elegant black leather version of
Leather
Sold
H 27.17 in W 79.14 in D 33.47 in
Gianni Songia Daybed Sofa Model GS-195 for Sormani Italian Design
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Three seat sofa designed by Gianni Songia in 1963 Made of rosewood frame and black leather
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 23.63 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
Gianni Songia, Daybed GS 195 and Sofa, 1963 for Sormani, Handmade in Italy
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Munster, NRW
Gianni Songia, daybed GS 195 and sofa 1963 for Sormani, Italy. Elegant champagner leather version
Leather, Wood
Gianni Songia for Sormani Sofa in Black Leather
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Songia for Sormani, sofa or daybed model 'GS-195', leather, lacquered wood, Italy, 1963
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28 in W 80 in D 34 in
Gianni Songia for Sormani Rosewood and Leather Daybed Sofa, Italy, circa 1960
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful midcentury Italian design by Gianni Sormani and produced by Sormani. This daybed
Brass
Sold
H 26.78 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
rare golden cord velvet GS195 daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani Italy sofa bed
By Gianni Songia
Located in Landshut, BY
A rare golden cord velvet daybed, crafted by the renowned designer Gianni Songia for the esteemed
Wood, Velvet
Sormani Songia GS 195 Leather Sofa Daybed
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Telgte, DE
This three-seat daybed was designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, in 1963. Model GS-195
Leather, Wood
Gianni Songia 'Gs-195' Leather Daybed Sofa for Sormani I
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in San Francisco, CA
Known as the 'Gs-195' , this is an adjustable white leather daybed designed by Gianni Songia for
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
Gianni Songia GS195 Daybed, Sleeping Sofa for Sormani, Italy, 1970s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautiful sofa/daybed designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy made in 1960s. This “GS195
Velvet, Rosewood
Gianni Songia Leather Daybed and Sofa for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gianni Songia GS195 leather daybed and sofa for Sormani, Italy, 1963 This three-seat daybed was
Leather
Gianni Songia GS 195 Sofa by Sormani, Italy 1970s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Renens, CH
Wonderful GS 195 sofa by Gianni Songia for Sormani Italy, produced in the early 1970s. The sofa
Mohair, Wood
Gianni Songia GS195 Daybed Sofa Sormani Italy, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful lounge sofa/daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963. This
Leather, Rosewood
GS195 rosewood daybed Gianni Songia for Sormani 1960s
By Gianni Songia
Located in Sas van Gent, NL
Functional and elegant lounge sofa-daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy
Rosewood
GS195 rosewood daybed Gianni Songia for Sormani 1960s
By Gianni Songia
Located in Sas van Gent, NL
Functional and elegant lounge sofa-daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy
Rosewood
Daybed "GS-195" from Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Berlin, DE
Outstanding Italian daybed design by Gianni Songia for Sormani from 1963. The three-seat sofa is
Rosewood, Leather
GS195 sofa daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani Italy 1960s
By Gianni Songia
Located in Sas van Gent, NL
Functional and elegant lounge sofa/daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.17 in W 79.14 in D 33.47 in
Model GS-195 Black Leather Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Bucharest, RO
This GS-195 three-seat daybed sofa was designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in Italy in 1963. It
Leather, Rosewood
Italian Daybed Sofa Designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1963
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Woudrichem, NL
Beautiful GS-195 daybed sofa designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963. Very elegant and
Leather, Rosewood
Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1963
By Paul Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Daybed designed by Gianni Songia in 1963 for Sormani; model GS-195. Rosewood frame with black
Leather, Rosewood
Sofa Bed by Gianni Songia for Sormani
By Gianni Songia
Located in Milan, IT
Made on 1967 (GS195)
Wood, Leather
GS-195 Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Daybed designed by Gianni Songia in 1963 for Sormani; model GS-195. Hardwood frame with black
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 79.93 in D 65.36 in
Italian Midcentury Brass Bed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Savona, IT
Bed produced by Sormani in the 1960s, designed by Gianni Songia. Frosted brass structure and
Brass
Sold
H 83.08 in W 64.97 in D 15.75 in
Italian Midcentury Wall Unit by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Savona, IT
Modular showcase bookcase produced by Sormani based on a project by Gianni Songia in the 1960s
Metal
Sold
H 83.08 in W 33.08 in D 15.75 in
Italian Midcentury Wall Unit by Gianni Songia for Sormani, 1960s
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Savona, IT
Modular bookcase produced by Sormani based on a project by Gianni Songia in the 1960s. Solid wood
Metal
Daybed GS-195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Berlin, DE
A daybed designed by Gianni Songia for the Italian manufacturer Sormani from 1963. The three-seater
Leather, Rosewood
Model GS 195 Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Berlin, DE
This model GS 195 daybed was designed in 1963 by Italian designer Gianni Songia and was produced by
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 79.53 in D 33.47 in
Rosewood Daybed Sofa GS 195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani in New Black Leather
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
Daybed model GS195 designed by Gianni Songia and produced by Sormani, 1960s. With beautiful
Leather, Rosewood
Sofa Daybed by Gianni Songia
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani. Italian work, circa 1970. Rosewood and leather. Very
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
Gianni Songia GS195 Daybed/Sofa and matching Armchairs for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire
daybed, designed in 1963 by Gianni Songia for Sormani. The backrest can be adapted to make it a daybed
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 27.17 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
Gianni Songia Black Leather Daybed Sofa Model GS-195 for Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Woudrichem, NL
Fully restored GS-195 three-seat daybed sofa designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Italy, 1963
Leather, Rosewood
Gianni Songia "GS 195" Daybed for Sormani
By Luigi Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Wien, Wien
A real statement piece: elegant "GS 195" daybed by Gianni Songia from the 60s for Luigi Sormani
Leather, Mahogany
Gianni Songia Gs 195 Leather Sofa for Sormani
By Gianni Songia
Located in Grenoble, FR
Gianni Songia Gs 195 leather sofa designed for Sormani 1963
GS-195 Gianni Songia Pair of Sofas for Sormani
By Gianni Songia
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gianni Songia daybed designed for Sormani in 1963. Large sculptural rosewood veneer wooden frame
Leather, Wood
Armchair by Carlo di Carli for Sormani
By Gianni Songia, Sormani
Located in Brussels, BE
Leather and rosewood armchair by Carlo di Carli for Sormani. Rosewood frame with leather strap
Brass
Sold
H 26.78 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
GS 195 Sofa Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in Brazilian Rosewood
By Gianni Songia
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Striking rare modular GS 195 Sofa / Daybed by Gianni Songia for Sormani, Brazilian Rosewood veneer
Leather, Rosewood
$28,500
H 26.5 in W 92.75 in D 32 in
Warren Platner Walnut and Leather Floating Case Sofa for Lehigh Leopold, c. 1970
By Lehigh Leopold, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and highly sought-after collectors piece (with celebrity provenance) is a Warren Platner Executive Leather Case Sofa designed for Lehigh Leopold in circa 1970...
Chrome
$17,023 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These walnut counter height cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market. These stools ...
Walnut
Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s
By Hans Kaufeld
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sofa, designed by Jacques Brule and produced by Hans Kaufeld in Germany in 1963, is a remarkable example of mid-century modern design. The sofa features a distinctive ...
Steel, Chrome
Fabulous Rosewood and Chrome Credenza by Ste. Marie and Laurent
By Andre Laurent
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This Ste-Marie and Laurent sideboard has beautiful rosewood grain and a black faux leather top. This Mid-Century credenza floats on a modern chrome cantilever base and is finished on...
Chrome
$1,884 / item
H 19.69 in Dm 19.69 in
RESTOCK - 50cm Prismatic Glass Holophane Globe Parisian Street Lamp, C.1960
By Holophane
Located in London, GB
Beautifully formed spherical Holophane Parisian glass street lights, made in France. c.1960. This version has the 50cm diameter, these lights have remained in amazing condition, wit...
Glass, Fiberglass
$12,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.38 in W 83.86 in D 33.86 in
Mp-97 Sofa Midcentury Brazilian Design by Percival Lafer, Cedar Wood, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
Amuneal's Brass Pantry Cabinetry
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Brass Pantry Cabinetry, part of our metal Kitchen Collection, is designed as a feature element for any space. The three doors on the upper cabinets are fabricated with a kn...
Brass
Midcentury Pedestal Dining Table by Poul Cadovius for France and Son
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning circular pedestal table features mid-century mid of aluminum and rosewood finish. Designed by Poul Cadovius for France and Son, the Scandinavian modern appeal of this c...
Metal
Mid-Century Teak Sofa Bed with Storage Headboard, 1960s Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A versatile and functional example of Mid-Century design, this teak sofa bed offers both comfortable seating and convenient storage. Complete with a matching, detached headboard feat...
Teak, Upholstery
Lightolier, Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gerald Thurston floor lamp by Lightolier. Features a brass and walnut base and a perforated brass shade. Measures: 17" diameter x 64.5" height.
Brass
$3,120Sale Price / item|35% Off
H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 28.75 in
The Laziness Armchair in Brazilian Solid Wood with a rocking footstool
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
Laziness is a laid-back and spacious rocking armchair, crafted for sitting/lying down and unwinding. The low seat height from the ground draws inspiration from Japanese rocking chair...
Velvet, Hardwood, Wood, Foam
$4,435 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
$6,500 / item
H 14 in W 36 in D 20 in
Modern Oval Coffee Table in Walnut Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Palazzo oval coffee table with green and ivory Japaneese glass sits on 4 Walnut Wood pedestal by Ercole Home. This new bespoke coffee table design by Ercole Home is available today f...
Art Glass, Walnut, Cut Glass
$1,918 / set
H 21.66 in W 24.02 in D 35.83 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century-Modern Lounge Chairs in Ochre Boucle, 1970s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or club chairs. Modules can be used as a modular sofa or modular seating set. Beautiful and unique shape. A 1970 design and p...
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
$40,760 / set
H 28.75 in W 92.52 in D 33.47 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Solid Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofas
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two Italian midcentury modern design three-seater sofa and two-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid wood fr...
Fabric, Wood
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.